Power Outages Hit Pound Ridge As Town Readies For Sandy

A power line on Westchester Avenue was knocked down by a fallen tree just outside the Town House at around 7:40 a.m., knocking out power at the Town House and the police headquarters as well as most of the Scotts Corners business district.

The Town House, police department and Scotts Corner Market grocery store were able to remain open thanks to backup generators and town officials said they hoped to have power back by afternoon before Sandy’s wrath could really be felt.

“We already are losing power and the hurricane hasn’t even arrived yet,” said Supervisor Gary Warshauer. “This is what we are up against.”

Warshauer said town officials will keep residents updated on the latest hurricane information via the town website, email alerts and its Twitter account (@PoundRidgeNY).

“The storm is supposed to intensify as the day goes on,” he said. “Trees down, roads blocked – it is imperative that people stay home.”

Some of the roads already closed due to downed trees include South Bedford Road, Honey Hollow Road and Stone Hill Road.

Warshauer said the Town House will remain open throughout the storm to act as a warming station and a place where people can charge electronic devices.

“We had an OEM (office of emergency management) meeting (Monday) morning,” he said. “The fire department, highway department, police department and ambulance corps are staffed and on the premises and ready to respond,” he said. After the storm passes, he added, “we will meet with NYSEG. The crews are already here.”

Warshauer said NYSEG will provide bottled water and dry ice, which will be made available at the Town House by late Monday afternoon.

“We will post and Tweet the specific times they’ll be available as soon as we know,” he said.

Deputy Supervisor John Powers, who is helping to coordinate the OEM efforts, said that Hurricane Sandy is expected to be worse than Hurricane Irene and last year’s October snowstorm and that power outages can be expected to last for more than a week in some areas.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Pound Ridge and receive free news updates.